Solar Thermal
Solar Thermal panels use energy from the sun to heat your domestic hot water which is stored in your hot water cylinder. Solar Thermal is one of the cheapest forms of renewable energy to install in your home. The panels are typically mounted on your roof; however they can be fixed to a frame on a flat roof or hung from a wall to find the best sunny spot; our engineers can help choose the ideal place for your home.
We install two types of solar thermal panel:
- Evacuated tubes: a bank of up to 20-30 glass tubes mounted onto your home.
- Flat Plate: several flat panels mounted to your home or integrated into your roof.
Here at Ace Energy we can incorporate a solar thermal system into your existing heating or design a bespoke central heating system that will blend well with your new panels.
To provide your home with a truly eco-friendly heating solution, Ace Energy are able to combine Solar Thermal panels to deliver your hot water with an Air Source or a Ground Source Heat Pump to deliver your central heating.
Benefits
-
Reduced Fuel Bills
Solar Thermal panels will greatly reduce your annual hot water costs as solar energy is free. Your panels work most of the year providing up to 60% of your household hot water needs; possibly requiring a top up from your boiler or heat pump during winter months.
-
Reduce Carbon Footprint
Solar Thermal panels use a renewable energy source to provide your hot water so this eco-friendly system will help to lower your carbon footprint. Solar Thermal panels can help to reduce the average UK household emissions by up to 400kg per year.
-
Low Maintenance
Many Solar Thermal systems come with a five-year or ten-year warranty and with few moving parts require little maintenance. We do recommend an annual service to maintain your panels, prolong their life and uphold your warranty. At Ace Energy we offer an annual service check, for more information.
-
RHI
Solar thermal technologies qualify for the Renewable Heating Incentive repayments for 7 years; this scheme was set up by the Government to encourage homeowners to invest in more eco-friendly technologies and our MCS registered administrators will help you through the application. For more info on the RHI click here.
Points to Consider
-
Sunny Spot
Solar Thermal panels will need up to 5m² of space, on either your roof, wall or land; and your panels will need to face East to West through South and receive direct sunlight for the most part of the day.
-
Compatible Boiler
To add Solar Thermal Panels to your existing heating system the boiler and hot water cylinder need to be compatible. Most conventional units are compatible, however combi boilers without a hot water tank wouldn’t be; so, you would need to consider replacements.